The Egyptian national football team has dropped three places in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling to 33rd in November’s edition.

This decline comes on the back of disappointing results in their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which took place between November 11 and 19.

Despite topping their group in the qualifiers, Egypt’s two consecutive draws against Cape Verde and Botswana have raised questions about the team’s form and prospects heading into next year’s continental competition.

AFCON Qualifier Results and Impact

Egypt’s qualification for the 2024 AFCON tournament is secure, having accumulated 14 points to top Group C.

However, their final qualifying fixtures in November failed to inspire confidence, with the Pharaohs earning just two draws—1-1 against Cape Verde and a 0-0 stalemate against Botswana.

These results, although not affecting their qualification status, have impacted the team’s global standing.

Under the management of coach Hossam Hassan, the team had hoped to finish their qualifiers on a high, but the lack of wins in their final matches meant that Egypt’s position in the rankings fell.

The FIFA rankings are based on a variety of factors, including recent results in major competitions and qualification campaigns. The draws against two relatively lower-ranked teams certainly had a negative effect, sending Egypt down from 30th to 33rd place.

The Pharaohs’ Regional Standing

Despite the drop in global rankings, Egypt remains in a strong position within Africa. The Pharaohs continue to hold third place on the continent, trailing Morocco and Senegal, who occupy the first and second spots, respectively.

Morocco, although experiencing a slight drop from 13th to 14th in the global rankings, remains Africa’s top team, with Senegal climbing three places to 17th globally.

Egypt’s current position is a reflection of their regional dominance, but the recent draws suggest that there may be concerns about their readiness for the AFCON tournament next year.

In the Arab world, Egypt’s footballing status is similarly strong, with the Pharaohs holding second place, just behind Morocco, which is a testament to the nation’s consistent performance.

However, with the rise of teams like Algeria and Tunisia, Egypt’s position in the Arab world may face further challenges in the future.

Historical Context and Declining Ranking

Historically, Egypt has been one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations, having won the AFCON title a record seven times.

Their peak in FIFA’s rankings came during their golden era between 2006 and 2010, when they won three consecutive continental titles (2006, 2008, and 2010).

During this period, Egypt consistently ranked in the top 10 globally, with their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 9th in 2010.

However, the Pharaohs have struggled to recapture that success in recent years. Despite their AFCON triumph in 2010, Egypt’s footballing fortunes have fluctuated.

The team failed to qualify for the 2012, 2013, and 2015 editions of the tournament and has only recently regained their place among the continent’s elite teams.

Their 2017 AFCON final loss to Cameroon, followed by their runner-up finish in 2018, marked the most recent chapter of disappointment.

This inconsistency has resulted in their steady decline in FIFA’s rankings, from a top 10 team to their current position of 33rd.

Morocco and Senegal Lead the Charge

The latest rankings see Morocco and Senegal holding strong positions as Africa’s top two teams. Morocco, who made a historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has proven itself to be one of Africa’s most formidable teams.

The team’s recent performances, including their progress in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, have allowed them to maintain a global ranking of 14th, despite the slight drop from 13th.

Senegal, on the other hand, continues to rise. The team has climbed three places in November’s rankings to reach 17th globally, further solidifying their position as one of the continent’s most consistent performers.

The Lions of Teranga have won the 2021 AFCON, and their global ranking reflects their growing reputation as a world-class footballing nation.

For Egypt, the focus now shifts to improving their form ahead of next year’s AFCON tournament.

Coach Hossam Hassan will need to address the team’s recent performances, as the Pharaohs face an increasingly competitive African field, with Morocco and Senegal setting the pace.

Other Notable Movements in the Rankings

November’s FIFA rankings also saw significant movements in other African teams. Niger made the most remarkable leap, climbing nine places to 122nd, while Nigeria suffered the biggest drop, falling eight spots to 44th.

The Super Eagles’ drop reflects their struggles in recent months, including an underwhelming performance in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, and South Africa all held steady in their respective positions, with little change in their rankings.

The Ivorian team, despite a strong historical legacy in African football, has struggled to regain its former glory in recent years, while South Africa’s rise from 60th to 57th suggests a gradual improvement in their performances.

Egypt’s Challenges Ahead

Looking forward, Egypt faces several challenges in maintaining their regional and global standing. While they have secured their place in the 2024 AFCON tournament, the team must focus on improving their performance in the coming months.

Their failure to win against Cape Verde and Botswana signals potential issues with team cohesion, match strategy, and individual performances.

There is a need for improvement in key areas such as attack and midfield creativity, as the Pharaohs struggled to break down two defensive-minded sides.

Coach Hossam Hassan will be under pressure to turn things around ahead of the tournament, with Egypt’s footballing community eagerly awaiting a positive response from the team.

With star players such as Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Hegazi, and Ramadan Sobhi, Egypt has the talent to challenge for the AFCON title, but consistency in results is crucial if they are to regain their place among the world’s footballing elite.

Conclusion

Egypt’s drop in FIFA’s world rankings reflects a turbulent period for the Pharaohs, but it also highlights the fierce competition they face both in Africa and globally.

While they remain one of the top teams on the continent, their disappointing results in the final round of AFCON qualifiers raise important questions about their readiness for next year’s continental showdown.

For Egypt to return to the heights they once enjoyed, they will need to address their recent slump and demonstrate a renewed commitment to success.

The team’s progress will be closely monitored, with the 2024 AFCON set to be a critical test for the Pharaohs’ ambitions on the global stage.